Renovating the Old Staircase

An upper floor landing area with a wooden railing, a framed ocean scene painting, a vintage baby carriage, and a dark wood door.
Wooden staircase and railing in an attic or loft space, with wooden walls and ceiling.

It became a necessity, with safety and aesthetics at the forefront of considerations. The staircase needed to offer secure passage, ensuring stability with every step.

The new design prioritized safety and stability by eliminating any wobbly components. A revised baluster design was planned and implemented to achieve this goal while harmonizing with the historic charm of the old house.

Wooden staircase with protective railing in a cozy attic space under sloped ceiling, with a small window, desk, chair, and cardboard boxes in the background.
Cans of paint and a jar of orange marmalade with a paintbrush leaning against the metal can, on a wooden table near a window.
A black dog standing at the top of a staircase, looking down.
A can of white linseed oil paint with Swedish labeling, labeled "Ljusgra" and "Linoljefärg" on a table with newspapers, a pen, and several jars and bottles in the background.
Close-up of a wooden stair railing spindles and a section of a staircase on the left.
Top view of a staircase with wooden steps, a wooden handrail, a half wall with vertical white slats, and a small landing area with a gray carpet. There's a radiator on the wall in the background.

Attention to the finish and seal of the structure was paramount, necessitating some research into old finishes.

Protecting the wood while enhancing its appearance remained a primary concern throughout the renovation process.

Multiple coats of finish were carefully applied, with due consideration given to old painting techniques and sufficient drying time between coats.

A new handrail, tailored to fit the staircase space, was ordered, taking into account the height from the steps, angle, and fixtures to the wall.

To enhance safety, a handrail bend was installed at the top of the staircase to prevent bag handles from accidentally catching during descent, and classic brackets and handrail ends were carefully put in place.

Additionally, the inclusion of anti-slip carpets for each step was deemed crucial, particularly given the steep angle of the existing staircase.

Wooden handrail with a dowel inside a metal hook, attached to a stair railing, next to a textured wall.
A wooden meat tenderizer with a curved handle, resting on white paper towels on a marble surface.

Discover More: Modernize or Time-Travel →

View of a staircase railing with a wooden handrail, attached to a cream-colored newel post. The staircase leads downward, with black carpeted steps and a step mat at the bottom. The area appears to be inside a home with wooden floors and a hallway with closed doors visible at the bottom of the stairs.